Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 18, 2026

A Reproducible Intensive Care Unit-Oriented Endotoxin Model in Rats
Published on: February 20, 2021
Immune Activation in Sepsis
Andrew Conway-Morris1, Julie Wilson2, Manu Shankar-Hari2
1Division of Anaesthesia, Department of Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Box 93, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK; John V Farman Intensive Care Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
Abstract:
Sepsis is caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Immune responses determine the characteristics of sepsis. The body's protection against infection involves danger signal surveillance and recognition from nonself, effector functions in response to sensing danger signals, homeostatic regulation, and generation of immunologic memory. During sepsis, the immune system is activated by pathogen-associated and host-derived molecular patterns. Detecting these molecular patterns generates multisystem responses. Impaired organ function remote to the site of infection is the unifying feature. The processes by which an appropriate response to a microbial invader change from adaptive to maladaptive and dysregulated remain unclear.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Response I: Vascular and Cellular
Inflammation
Complement System
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions

